When Hope Sank is book three in the Day to Remember series. The series is written by multiple authors and are all tied together by the historic event theme. This book is written by Denise Weimer. The author has done some careful research to bring this historic event to light.

The Civil War is over. Prisoners of War are being bused back where they can muster out of the Army. Tensions are still high, especially in the Southern states. Lily lives with her uncle and helps with his business. Her parents have passed and she is grateful to have somewhere to live. Her feelings about the war are different than her uncles, but she has learned to do as she is told. Her cousin, Beth, is a little more outspoken. She is sleeping one day when she is awoken by screams and shouts.

Cade is a doctor in the army. He is so happy to be released and cannot wait to get back to Northern soil. He is on the steamship coming home when suddenly it blows to pieces. His medical training kicks in and he tries to get as many to safety as he can.

Lily and her brother go down and try and help. When they find Cade and an unconscious man on a door Lilly sheds her garments and jumps in. She helps to bring them to shore. Cade has broken bones and burns all on his backs. However it becomes clear he does not want to be in the company of Southern Sympathizers. He buts heads with the towns doctor. Lily and her calming nature continues to try and help Cade.

I really liked the characters. They had hurt and pain from the war that has effected how they feel about people. I loved Lily's patience. She has great attention to detail and understands different medical terms to assist.

I love how the author captured how those might have felt after the war. Tensions were still high. I went and looked up this event and the author did a great job at keeping in important historical details. The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. I have been loving this whole series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

The setting of this exciting novel is Mounds City, Arkansas, shortly after the Civil War. I didn’t realize that even after the war ended, espionage and sabotage were still actively pursued by disgruntled Southerners. I appreciated reading about the area and people, and saddened by the explosion and sinking of the Sultana, the worst maritime disaster in the United States.

Lily and her younger brother Jacob lived with their uncle and aunt, Thad and Susanna, after their parents died. Their cousin, Beth, was about Lily’s age, but the two girls weren’t close friends. Susanna and her daughter Beth were strong Southern sympathizers. Thad was moderate, as the parents of Lily and Jacob had been. Thad and Susanna owned River Rest Inn that included a kitchen, bar, and dining room. A good businessman, Thad stayed out of arguments about slavery and secession.

One night Lily went to the private dining room with drinks for a special group. Beth was already there, showing an interest in the men’s conversation. One man talked about ships that were carrying Northern POWs homeward from confederate prisons, and how easy it would be to cause a boiler explosion that could kill most soldiers on board. Lily was shocked, but Beth insisted it was just talk.

A couple weeks later, the steamship Sultana was going up the river, heavily overloaded with several paying passengers and many released Union POWs. Carrying double its capacity, the steamship was destroyed by a boiler explosion late at night, in the river at Mounds City. People were killed from the steam, the fire, by drowning, or being crushed from collapsing ship components. Anyone who could, went to the river to help get survivors from the water and get medical and other needs met.

People were taken to River Rest Inn until all its rooms were full. Lily and James helped Cade Palmer and his friend James out of the river; Lily had even fallen in an eddy trying to help. They didn’t know it, but Cade was a skilled surgeon who enlisted with the Union after college. Cade had stopped talking with God quite some time ago, as had Lily, each for their own reasons. Cade’s right hand was severely damaged when trying to save his friend, and he worried if he would ever operate again. Lily is convinced the accident and deaths were her fault as she didn’t tell the provost marshal about the conversation she overheard.

The characters almost come to life as we learn about them by their realistic conversations and behaviors. I especially like Lily and Cade, and appreciated their spiritual and life struggles. I could well understand how Lily could pray for others but not herself, and liked how she began to encourage, then nurture, Cade’s return to faith and how she tried to understand Beth rather than hate her.

This novel was very well written, with suspense, history, and two people who became willing to seek the Lord again. I appreciated how the assassination of President Lincoln was included, and how the author explained the plots and espionage. I enjoyed reading about how messages were changed into codes, also. There were surprises with the resolutions of circumstances, including Uncle Thad’s actions throughout the war. I highly recommend this novel to fans of women’s Christian fiction, sweet romance, and those who enjoy real historical events in America.

From a thankful heart: I received an uncorrected ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.

When Hope Sank is a story that draws deeply on a historical event from the Civil War era–the explosion and sinking of the Sultana. But it’s more than that. It’s a story that explores ordinary people caught up in a tragedy beyond their control. When Hope Sank looks at the emotional side of the Sultana’s fall.

Denise did an incredible job in researching the details of this story. One aspect that I especially loved was all the 1860’s medical talk and the battles over which treatments would be best for patients in the long run. The information is fascinating.

Cade and Lily are both loveable characters. More than that, they are characters that come alive in your mind and linger. Their hearts pour into the story, and the climax will steal your breath. Of all the points in the book, that is the spot where Cade and Lily shine brightest.

Content for potential concern: There was one point where a man kidnaps a woman and almost treats her in a wicked way. He doesn’t have his way–but it’s close. Sensitive readers will want to keep this in mind.

When Hope Sank has all the elements of an enduring tale. A unique take on history. Love. Struggle. Sacrifice. It’s a story I highly recommend for anyone who loves Christian fiction with a strong historical theme.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

When Hope Sank is a wonderful historical fiction novel taking place during the Civil War that you are going to love!  I love a good historical novel.  The Civil War is an all-time favorite of mine.  I have spent a lot of time studying it and learning as much as I can.  I have enjoyed learning more about history through this novel. 

This is book three in a six-book series.  I have not read all of them.  I know that's a shocker since I normally read books in a series in the order they're written.  This series really is all stand-alone novels.  

The characters were wonderful.  They pull you in and make the story come alive.  It's like watching a historical fiction movie but on the pages instead of a screen.  I think you'll really enjoy this book.  I know I did.  So, let me know what you think after you read it. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Historical fiction based upon true events is the basis for A Day to Remember series and they way that author Denise Weimer has written this story truly causes you to feel that you are part of it. The details that are woven into the story were well done as you see the division between the Confederates and the Unionists after the Civil War.

The romance between Lily and Cade brought home the fact that differences have to be put aside in order to bring true healing. The faith that both of them exhibited was am integral part of the story and well done. I’d recommend reading this book if you enjoy clean, faith-inspired historical novels.

I received a I received a complimentary copy of the book through Celebrate Lit. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.

“Who said anything about love?” She stepped around him, passing close as she reached for the door. “It’s not something I’ve dared to even hope for … until now.”

Barbour has come out with some of the best series! This one, A Day to Remember, involves six different obscure American tragedies. Each can be read without reading the others, but if you read one, you’ll want to read the rest!

Book three, When Hope Sank, is NOT about the Titanic! Rather, Denise Weimer recounts the disastrous 1865 journey of the steamboat the Sultana. The Sultana is carrying pardoned Union POW soldiers from Southern prisons up the Mississippi River. Cade Palmer, a doctor, and his close friend, James Caldwell, are two men on that ill-fated, massively overloaded boat, made to carry 500, but carrying over 2,000. A sudden explosion sends many men straight into eternity. Others are lost in the flaming boat and river debris as they try to escape.

Lily Livingston, living with her strongly Southern sympathizing aunt, cousin, and more moderate uncle, finds herself helping to rescue Cade and James from the river. As she cares for Cade’s injuries, she begins to care for the man himself.

Personal growth comes for both Cade and Lily, but painfully, slowly. Cade comes to realize evil is not just in those whose hatred causes untold death and destruction, but even in his own choices he makes that are self-serving. “…God allowed people a choice, and many in every generation chose evil. Because serving oneself was, in reality, serving evil instead of God.”

“He always thought his optimism and good works would get him into heaven. He never seemed to realize there are no good people, just as my father used to say, only bad people who can either choose justice or grace.” I found this quote from Cade describing someone else ironic. Yes, Cade has already chosen God’s grace of salvation. But… the crux of the novel is… will he choose to extend God’s grace or try to visit His wrath on others he deems unworthy?

Conflict and great personal angst threaten as Lily and James deal with things they failed to do in the past. Their failures affect the people around them and guilt bears down. Will their faith rise to the occasion or will they sink under the enormity of all they’ve lost? Can God really use such a horrendous tragedy for good?

I highly recommend this novel! I received a copy from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Pain is pain. It just hurts.” … “But it hurts a little less if you share it.”

“It’s hardly a crime to want others to think well of you.” He dropped her hand and lowered his gaze. “Not until you want it so much you put that above what God thinks.”

“By her own admission, she shared his ideals, and more importantly, his faith. Both of them clung to their spiritual heritage despite all they’d been through, and somehow, they strengthened each other in it. Believed for each other where they no longer could do so for themselves.”

“Better to be alone than to keep company with the wrong people.”

My favorite genre: historical fiction. One of my favorite time periods: the Civil War era. Based on true events: a huge bonus. When Hope Sank covers them all! Add in Christian faith, and a touch of romance, and this one hits it out of the ballpark!

Since I lived near the Mississippi River for several years, it was easy for me to feel immersed in this story. Being a Northern-born girl myself, who has lived a large portion of my life in the South, I understand the tension (which sometimes still exists today). Lily's story resonates with my heart.

If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, with a touch of romance, be sure to grab your own copy!

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

This is a well-researched, interesting story filled with tragedy and hard decisions. While also showing how divided our country still was even at the end of the war, full of hope and faith in God, and sweet romance.

Lily and Cade sure had a crazy introduction, all formality was swept right down the river. Cade found out very quickly that being a patient was much harder than being a doctor. Lily learned that sometimes doing the right thing involves sacrifice.

This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

This series has been enlightening, drawing attention to long forgotten disasters. I appreciate the Author Note at the end explaining what was known about this disaster and what remained a mystery.

Weimer explored the deep feelings still rampant at the end of the Civil War, even affecting family relationships. We also see the reasons for those heightened emotions and why some attempted sabotage. That attempted sabotage provided a mystery and some post disaster suspense. A romance is added to flesh out the story and there is a good faith message included. The characters were believable and well developed.

This is a good book for those who like a very readable novel informing readers of a disaster long ago.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This book takes the reader back to the end of the Civil War, when prisoners of war were to be returned home. With meticulous research and detail, Denise Weimer recreates a historical event and how it may have affected those involved. Countrymen are still divided by the War and with a massive explosion on the steamship carrying servicemen back home many questions arise about possible sabotage. But what would the purpose be, why target a steamship overly loaded with former prisoners, and how to prove it one way or the other. But when one question seems to be answered it arises a myriad of further questions that pull the characters into a deadly hunt for truth and freedom.
The characters bring this story to life with the wide swing of palpable emotions and exploring relationships and how they in turn affect others. One decision can have wide reaching consequences for everyone around. Denise Weimer sews faith into the fabric of the story with grace and redemption a focal point. Learning to lean on God and the plan He ordains for each life, if only you have the strength and faith to follow Him.
I loved to see a historical event brought to life with wonderful characters that made the story feel more real to the present day. Denise Weimer has penned a wonderful tale with amazing detail and research. I look forward to the continuing series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This historical fiction novel about the critical time at the end of the Civil War with prisoners of war released from Andersonville flowed easily and Cade and Lily were characters I easily connected with.

Apart from the physical and emotional healing Cade was going through, there was also a danger and mystery thread involving Southern sympathizers who did not want to accept the end of the war.

The author also did a good job of showing different viewpoints of the people involved, those who supported the southern beliefs, those caught in the southern world but was behind what the north fought for, and the slaves caught om the middle.

This read brought back a lot of memories of reading the Cheney Duvall, MD, series over the years, with its post-Civil War setting and hints of Reconstruction.

The writing style wasn’t quite my jam; I found it somewhat wordy and hyperbolic at times. But, I did find the plot compelling, the characters interesting, and the faith element inspirational. The author defo researched this well, and it showed!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely love reading historical fiction books. And this new series is a very different aspect of that genre. Focused on American disasters that “transformed landscapes and multiple lives,” they each bring to life a different tragedy. While part of a series, you can read each one as a standalone. The faith aspect is an excellent addition to the storyline. I learned a lot about a different facet of the Civil War. The characters are well developed and you will find yourself invested in the story and the lives of those affected by this particular disaster. There is a taste of romance, but it is not too syrupy and the drama and focus on how the country was still divided even after the South “surrendered” was interesting. Showing hope and faith can help the characters overcome deception and betrayal made it a book that will stay with me long after I have absorbed the last word on the last page and closed the book with a sign. This is definitely a series you will want to put on your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

The Civil War ended but a lot of hatred and suspicion fills Arkansas. The real sinking of the Sultana, an overloaded steamboat carrying Union POWs, is this book’s disaster. Was it sabotage? A little mystery and romance in a quick-to-read book.

I had never heard of the Sultana disaster before. It was interesting to learn more about that. The characters in the book are relatable.

When Hope Sank is a combination of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. It reminded me of a Cinderella story set post Civil War. What a tragedy also to read how divided the country was and even worse, the division that existed among families. Denis Weimer succeeded transporting the reader back to the sinking of the Sultana. I struggled with the believability of the main characters and how quickly they went from considering each other as enemies to becoming close friends. But I am sure that When Hope Sank will be appreciated by those who seek books written about the civil war. And it was obvious that Denise Weimer spent a lot of time researching to write this book.

5 stars, Heartbreaking Sinking

WHEN HOPE SANK (A Day to Remember Book 3)
by Denise Weimer

This is the dramatic story of a traumatic event at the end of the Civil War. Steamship Sultana was carrying two thousand men who had been released from prisons and were trying to make their way home at the end of the war, the Sultana exploded and the men's hope sank.

Lily Livingston works at her uncle's boarding house, a victim of the Civil War, it has taken everything she's ever loved, except for her younger brother. They are at the mercy of their uncle and desperate to have something better.

Lieutenant Cade Palmer was onboard the Sultana when everything exploded. He doesn't know how he'll survive, nor does he know how he'll be able to return home.

I was at first drawn to this book, because of visiting the #SteamboatArabia, another Steamer that floundered in the mighty Mississippi River. The sinking of the Sultana pulled more at the heartstrings because of the poor veterans of the Civil War who were trying to make their way home.

Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of #WhenHopeSank from #BarbourFiction #BarbourBooks I was not obligated to post a review.

#SultanaSteamship #ADayToRememberSeries #ChristianFiction #historicalfiction #womensfiction #mississippiriver #civilwar #americanhistory #InspyFic #Inspirational #AndersonvillePrison #1886

I have really enjoyed Barbour Publishing’s A Day to Remember series. The newest addition, When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer, was another account of a day in our history that was tragic and yet inspiring as it shows how with God some could overcome the tragedy of war and disaster.

I enjoyed this post-Civil War story. While it has fictional characters, the real events that take place offer a great glimpse at what actually occurred. I knew nothing about the sinking of the Sultana, and the book sparked my interest in learning more. The characters add life to the story and help to show how forgiveness and hope can help you get through the darkest of times. Lily and Cade were brought together through something horrible, and I loved seeing them come through on their own and together with God.

This was my first book by Denise Weimer. She did a wonderful job at writing this time period and sharing her faith throughout the book. When Hope Sank is a great read for anyone who loves history and Christian fiction.

When Hope Sank is one of the best inspirational fiction novels that I have read. This post civil war story of Cade and Lily has it all. They are very real characters walking thru various crises of faith. Both repeatedly find guidance and encouragement through both scripture and prayer.
We are shown how hearts on both sides needed mending is this time following the war. I am touched to have the Lord as Healer revealed here.

As a new resident of Arkansas this book caught my attention because the Sultana was a part of history I did not know about. I found the information about the riverboats and marine warfare of the time interesting. I especially found the medical traditions of the day fascinating as well.

Those who enjoy a mix of Christian faith with their history lesson are sure to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

I decided to read When Hope Sank because I love historical fiction—I love reading about little-known events in the past and watch them come to life on the pages. Although I knew there would likely be more romance in this book than I like, I read an earlier book in this series (When the Waters Came) and really enjoyed it.
I was right. There was a strong romantic thread throughout When Hope Sank. I was also right that I would enjoy this book. I’m not sure I ever remember hearing of the disaster of the Sultana before. I’ll never forget it now! I also didn’t realize how the Confederate sympathizers continued to try to sabotage the Union after the Civil War was over. I was frustrated with Lily and how she beat herself up for not preventing the tragedy, and a bit upset with Cade for being so angry with her about that, but I could understand his anger.
I really liked Cade’s thought processes as he worked through his anger from past unwise decisions and came to the conclusions he did by the end of the book. The scene which talked about good and evil is especially thought-provoking, as is the scene where a close friend died thinking that “his optimism and good works would get him into heaven.” There is a lot more Christian content in this book than in many I have read. On the other hand, there are too many passionate kisses for my liking. So, I enjoyed the book, but it won’t make it to my top ten for the year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 1: Man threatens another with his knife, gropes a girl. Chapter 20: Kissing. Chapter 22: Attempted rape, kidnapping, man injured badly, “dang.” Chapter 23: Man killed. Chapter 24: Men killed, kissing. Epilogue: kissing.